The Nicaraguan Social Movement for the Defense of Land, Water and Sovereignty

Abstract

The article first presents the main features of the proposed canal and other investments granted by the government of Nicaragua to a foreign company for a period of 116 years in an area of 3,423.9 km², where 119,200 people live. Secondly, this paper describes the emergence and development of the social movement to date (17-06-2016), actions taken, organizational form, alliances and government responses. Then the author elaborates a sociological analysis of historical and economic factors that allow us to understand the development of this movement in a context of restriction of civil liberties. Finally, the paper raises some questions on the results, challenges and scenarios of this social movement.